Bloody Ripper Past Review

By (Stonehill College) - abroad from 07/09/2018 to 11/18/2018 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Brisbane - University of Queensland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and to cooperate with others because everyone is working with different schedules. It was difficult at first, but once you find a routine, then it is much easier and the time will just fly by!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I absolutely loved the TEAN abroad program. It made going abroad very easy because many of the difficult steps were laid out for me. I was able to branch out a learn more about the world through TEAN and they helped me to experience new cultures and people that I otherwise would not have. The school was incredible and I loved every second of attending UQ. The academics were challenging, but it really helped motivate me to succeed and push through.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I don't really know the behind the scenes of the administration, but everything went smoothly on my end. The advisors were quick to place me in classes that I wanted and everything worked out to my advantage.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked living in the St Lucia apartments. It helped me to branch out and explore my independence while living on my own. If I could do it again I would choose the St Lucia apartments again because it was the most convenient choice for school and the commute into the city was a breeze!

* Food:

The food was good. I had to cook a lot at home, but off campus, I had some of the best hamburgers ever!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I got a real feel for the Australian culture while in Brisbane. I felt very Australian while I was there and even started using a lot of the lingo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't really have any health care issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Australia as a whole, but even in Brisbane city I never worried. I always knew that people were friendly and welcoming and so if I ever got lost, someone was always quick to lend a hand.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I absolutely loved living in Brisbane! The city was small and very family-friendly, which made for some fun events and activities almost every week. The school that I attended, UQ, was the perfect match for me and I enjoyed walking to school every morning because of St Lucia apartments close proximity and the sunny, warm weather. I would definitely go back and visit if I could!

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Brisbane is a pretty expensive city, but if you plan your meals and try not to spend too much traveling, then it is easier than one may think.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Nearly $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't grocery shop when you are hungry!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The close proximity to the city
  • The warm weather and location of the school
  • The activities that TEAN offered
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe a few more coffee catch ups
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how difficult cooking could be, so I wish I knew a few cheap recipes before I went!